Small Bowel Injury Due to Electrocautery Excision of Umbilical Granuloma in a Four-Month-Old Child

Many surgeons are familiar with small bowel perforation-a breach in the continuity of the bowel wall resulting in spillage of contents into the peritoneal cavity. Usually, patients present with severe abdominal pain, and radiological investigations suggest pneumoperitoneum. However, intestinal perforation secondary to electrocautery used for umbilical granuloma excision is rare. We report a case of a 4-month-old boy who presented with primary concerns of constipation, severe abdominal pain, and multiple episodes of vomiting three days following an electrocautery excision of umbilical granuloma. An exploratory laparotomy revealed a perforation of the terminal ileum. Primary repair of the ileal perforation was done, which saved the infant’s life. As this case illustrates, even a minor surgical procedure can lead to a major intraperitoneal injury, and appropriate evaluation based on clinical signs and symptoms is imperative. This case is also a reminder to handle an electrosurgical instrument with proper skill, training, and technical assistance.